was a joy because the wildlife was profuse. So were the views and the plantings as they grew!
Many, many years ago I was sitting on the rooftop reading and for some reason looked up.
Coming down the street to the side of the house was a ribbon of color. It was at about second
story height. I knew immediately what it was, as one time when I was near Ciudad de Victoria
in the mountains, I saw a similar ribbon of all kinds of butterflies. I pulled over and stopped so
I could stare in awe.
I was awed this day that the monarchs were coming down the street as well. I assumed they were
heading for the water in the reservoir in the canyon. But they were not. They were heading for
the jacaranda tree. Truly the tree was covered with monarch for quite a while. Many minutes. I did not move as I did not want them to leave or be frightened. IF only I could have had my camera to capture this, but alas, it was three stories down the steep stairs and I did not want to miss a second of
this magnificent phenomena.
I no longer have the pleasure of watching this tree bloom or waiting for the ribbon of monarchs, but the town is abloom in glorious, expansive blooming trees. From up on the ridge of the road around town, one can look down at a lovely shade of lavender. A favorite sight to see.
But, in this garden where I presently live, there are still birds and wildlife. Just not as wild and wooly as the opossum, coatamundi, skunk and feral cats that used to pass through my nature sanctuary.
While reading on the chaise a couple of days ago I heard and saw a red headed woodpecker just pecking away at the huge palm tree directly in front of the house. Wow, was it loud! Then there are doves, of course, and a red bird with a black mask on its face. I call it Zorro. THEN the piece de resistance is the number of hummingbirds that zip around while making a clicking sound. As I was on the chaise, one came within 18 inches of my face and just stayed there staring at me as I stared at it wondering what it was going to do or go next.
Here's what it was busy retrieving, the fluff from the seed of the oleanders nearby. It came many times to just get enough to carry and then it got some of the coco palm from the wall baskets nearby as well. A busy little bird!
Yes, I saw where the nest is being made. In the stand of bamboo right by the kitchen window.
The fragrance of the orange blossoms and the peach blossoms from the nearby trees along with the
antics of the birds made for a perfectly lovely afternoon. Life is good.
Viva Mexico!
7 comments:
Lovely moments shared. Gracias.
Viva Mexico, Indeed.
Been waiting for the Jacarandas!
Robert
Such a lovely post. I can see those monarchs. I hope you get to see baby hummers. Delightful.
We have tried several times to grow jacarandas here and no luck. They are gorgeous but last only for a couple of weeks and I guess some people are violently allergic to them. It may be the crappy soil or the cold out here. But they don't seem to survive the winter.
To complete that slice of paradise, you now need to get a couple of macaws, and hibiscus and croton plants.
al
Spring has sprung! All the activity around your home will make for a great show. Recently Shelagh shared with me an idea for dog owners in spring. To take the hair that the dog leaves behind in his brush and place it outside on a stick for birds to use as nest material. A great recycling idea! Happy spring Barbara, enjoy the little miracles around you...
Thanks R.P.! Enjoy the jacarandas.
Contessa, I do hope I see the baby hummers too. Once when I was at a B&B in Chimayo, New Mexico, there was a hummingbird nest with new babies on the porch of my room. I sat out there mesmerized watching the babies stick their heads up when Mama came to feed them. Will never forget it. This must have been 30 years ago!
Al, NO macaws, too noisy, but hibiscus and crotons would be delightful. I actually have a maceta big enough for a hibiscus! Jacarandas have to b protected from the wind, I think. The one in my photograph grew at least 16-20 ft in the years that I lived in that house. I wish I had some left to give you because volunteers used to come up everywhere in the gardens. I DO love the beauty.
Peter, great idea from Shelagh. Since I don't have a dog, I take my hair out of the brush and put it out in the garden for the birds. Happy Spring to you as well. Hopefully your winter is almost over......
My first time reading your blog and I am enchanted. I too am 77, retired and single. I read about Satedn Miguel in the early 1960's and always wanted to visit, 40 years later I was able to, however, it was a very short visit on an International Living Retirement Tour.I am so glad that I discovered your blog as I would still like to revisit San Miguel. Judy
Hi Judy! Thanks for taking time to write. So glad you have visited SMA and enjoyed it. I started reading about SMA in the 70's and finally got here in 98 and moved here in 2000. It is a joy every day. Do come back some day. If you live in the South, being here in August or anytime in the summer is fabulous because our temps stay in the high 70's or low 80's because of the evening rains! Let me know if you are ever heading this way again.
Hasta luego
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